Search Results for keywords:"conservation"

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is setting up a new advisory council for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary to guide its management and act as a communication link with the local community. Applications for membership in this council are being accepted until March 7, 2025. The council will include a variety of seats for experts in natural resources, conservation, education, and other fields, as well as non-voting seats for government agencies. NOAA is encouraging individuals with relevant expertise or local knowledge to apply for these seats.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the Department of Commerce announced a public meeting of the Marine and Coastal Area-based Management Advisory Committee (MCAM) on February 26, 2025. The meeting will be held virtually on the Google Meets Platform, and registration is not required. During the meeting, members will discuss topics such as area-based management in the U.S., tracking conservation progress, and Indigenous-led conservation. Public comments are welcomed, and written comments should be submitted by February 21, 2025, to ensure they are reviewed by the MCAM before the meeting.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to designate critical habitats for four species of freshwater mussels: the rayed bean, sheepnose, snuffbox, and spectaclecase. These designations spread across 17 states in the United States, covering approximately 3,974 river miles. The critical habitats are aimed at protecting key environmental features essential for the mussels' survival, such as suitable water flow, quality, and host fish presence. The agency is inviting comments on this proposal until February 11, 2025, and has also released an economic analysis regarding the designations.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering issuing permits for scientific research to help protect and support endangered and threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. They are inviting public input on these permit applications to take into account any feedback or information before making their decision. This notice encourages public, local, and governmental agencies to review and comment by January 16, 2025. The agency highlights that comments may be publicly accessible and urges those interested to submit quantitative evidence or studies to aid in decision-making.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has officially listed the swale paintbrush, a plant from New Mexico and parts of Mexico, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. This final rule provides protections for the plant, which is at risk due to habitat loss, climate change, and other threats, though no critical habitat will be designated due to collection risks. The decision's goal is to prevent the plant from becoming extinct, recognizing its precarious status with actions set to be effective on January 6, 2025.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to regulations for the American alligator to improve clarity and eliminate unnecessary rules, while still ensuring conservation efforts. The proposed rule aims to remove certain state-based sales conditions for alligator products, like hides, under the Endangered Species Act, which would streamline interstate and international commerce. These changes are in response to a petition from Louisiana and would help eliminate confusion between federal, state, and tribal regulations. Public comments on this proposed rule are invited until March 22, 2021.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces a SEDAR 101 Data Workshop to assess sandbar sharks, part of their evaluation process of fish stocks in the U.S. Southeast. This workshop, scheduled for May 12-16, 2025, in Rhode Island, involves assessing data on sandbar sharks, including their life history and population status, to help determine management and conservation needs. Participants will include scientists, environmentalists, and various stakeholders from regional Fishery Management Councils and NOAA Fisheries. The workshop is designed to encourage dialogue and monitor the status of these shark populations, ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed to reclassify the rough popcornflower from "endangered" to "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act. This decision is based on scientific information indicating that while the species' condition has improved and it is not in immediate danger of extinction, it is still likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. The proposal also includes regulations under section 4(d) of the Act aimed at conserving the species. The public can submit comments on this proposed rule by February 10, 2025.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to the listing and management of grizzly bears in the lower 48 states. They intend to redefine the grizzly bear's geographic boundaries as a distinct population segment (DPS) and retain its threatened status under the Endangered Species Act. The proposal aims to promote conservation by clarifying areas suitable for grizzly bears, including revisions to protective regulations under section 4(d) of the Act. Public comments on the proposed changes will be accepted until March 17, 2025, along with multiple public informational meetings and hearings scheduled in early 2025.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking for public comments on permit applications to conduct scientific research aimed at conserving endangered species. Under the Endangered Species Act, certain activities affecting endangered species are restricted unless a federal permit is granted. These permits may allow activities like capturing and collecting endangered species to help with their recovery and survival. The public can submit comments until February 12, 2025, and should refer to the permit application number when doing so.